PSV Dog Section (Puppy Socialisers)

The forces which jointly run the Dog Section under the Joint Operations Unit (JOU) are looking for people to take on the responsibility of helping to develop and train the next generation of Police Dogs.

As Puppy Socialisers the role would require the puppy to live with you from 8 weeks old to approximately 12 months old.

During this period, as Puppy Socialisers, you would be required to introduce the puppy to as many new environments and experiences as possible, whilst also starting the foundation of puppy training.

The puppies we produce are not normal pet dogs. They are keen, enthusiastic and highly motivated and as such they are not the type of dog that is happy to lie down and sleep all day, they are going to need lots of regular exercise and stimulation. It can be a challenging but extremely rewarding role.

To become a Puppy Socialiser you will need to answer YES to the following questions.

Are you physically capable of walking and controlling a dog on a lead?
Do you have access to a vehicle for safe transportation of the dog?
Do you have a suitable position in your home environment for a dog crate?
Are you able to provide a secure garden area?
Do you live within approximately 15 miles of Sulhamstead?
Are you able to make the dog available for regular training sessions at Sulhamstead?
Can you ensure that the puppy will not be left alone for more than 4 hours at a time (except in extreme circumstances)

If you have any queries please contact the Recruitment Team at RecruitmentPoliceStaff@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting reference 22605. We will endeavour to respond to your query as quickly as possible.

The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 31 August 2025. (Subject to change)

Please use Google Chrome when completing your application, wherever possible, as this will enhance performance.

Please note this vacancy may be removed earlier once sufficient candidates have been sourced.

As a volunteer within the police service, you will be subjected to a level of police vetting. The level will be dependent upon the role and it’s access requirements. With the higher levels of vetting, applicants could be asked to provide details of family members, partner, partner’s parents and co-residents, as well as additional information regarding their own personal circumstances. This process is required to ensure that Thames Valley Police comply with the legislation of the Vetting Code of Practice.

Whilst we endeavour to complete all vetting within 30 working days of receipt of vetting forms, unfortunately this is not always the case due to operational demand and back-logs, and could take considerably longer.

If you have any concerns or queries regarding your application please do not hesitate to get in touch.